Graduate Mental Health Wellness Certificate in Grief and Bereavement Counseling

Graduate Certificate of Completion in Mental Health and Wellness with an Emphasis in Grief and Bereavement

Offered By: College of Humanities and Social Sciences

Help Others With a Grief Counseling Certificate

Grand Canyon University’s Graduate Certificate of Completion in Mental Health and Wellness with an Emphasis in Grief and Bereavement program supports mental health professionals in expanding their career with a specialization in grief and bereavement. Students will gain knowledge and an in-depth understanding of dying and death, loss and bereavement within the context of mental health and wellness. Students become familiar with concepts of human nature as it relates to cognitive, behavioral, interpersonal, mental, spiritual, family and social dynamics. This program introduces students to research and best practices of mental health and wellness when working with the bereaved and those affected by loss. This certificate in grief counseling does not lead to licensure.

With a focus in this area, therapists, counselors, psychologists, social workers and health professionals help individuals healthily cope with personal loss of a loved one and move on toward a positive adjustment. Equipped with a graduate certificate in mental health and wellness - grief and bereavement, professionals can serve as a highly skilled support system guiding individuals through the grieving process, from mourning and deep negative emotions to acceptance of a new reality and resilience.

Experiencing the death of a loved one is one of the most difficult human experiences to endure; adopting this specialty prepares professionals to play a significant role in the emotional recovery of another and enhances their ability to:

  • Help grievers express and get in touch with feelings and thoughts.
  • Work toward restoring normalcy in their lives.
  • Bring memories from the past to present.
  • Develop a new sense of self.
  • Move forward.

As a Christian university, GCU promotes learning experiences with a faith-oriented approach. Students learn from a values-based curriculum based on a Christian worldview within a supportive environment. Thus, grief and bereavement students prepare to serve with kindness, compassion, empathy and ethical decision making.

Promote Healthy Solutions for Mental Health During Grief

Students learn about coping techniques and behavioral strategies that aid grievers in overcoming grieving complications like unresolved issues, prolonged mourning, a preoccupation with the death of a loved one and depressive symptoms.

This four-course, 16-credit online graduate certificate program emphasizes the following competencies:

  • Explanation of grief recovery theories and models.
  • Assessment of how worldview, culture, spirituality and religion impact the grieving process.
  • Evaluation of how diverse types of loss and individual differences affect grieving.
  • Development of strategies designed for those grieving at different life stages and affected by various circumstances.

Students from the certificate in grief counseling graduate program will engage with these areas of study:

  • History of grief research, common and shared experiences related to death, various forms of loss and unique characteristics of grievers.
  • The journey of the bereaved, biopsychosocial responses, myths, and an examination of healthy and unhealthy coping mechanisms.
  • Concept of death in society, research, theories and case studies on the sociocultural dimensions of dying, end-of-life issues and grief management.
  • How culture, spirituality and society shape our understanding and experience of death, as well as an understanding of the factors that influence views of death.

Assist Others Recover After Tragedy and Loss With a Certificate in Grief Counseling

This grief and bereavement graduate certificate in mental health and wellness program may lead you into these occupations: therapist, counselor, psychologist and social worker, as well as community health outreach worker, community health program coordinator, community health promoter and community nutrition educator.

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TOTAL PROGRAM CREDITS & COURSE LENGTH:
Total Credits: 16
Online: 8 weeks
[More Info]
TRANSFER CREDITS:
The University will accept one course of the total certificate requirements in transfer.
PROGRAM TUITION RATE:
Online: $575 per credit [More Info]

Course List

Major:
16 credits
Total Degree Requirements:
16 credits

Core Courses

Course Description

This course covers the history of grief theory research. It investigates common experiences of individuals experiencing a loss. The various forms of loss and the unique characteristics of grievers are examined. Resources for grief and bereavement are covered.

Course Description

This course reviews typical biopsychosocial responses to grief and loss. It Identifies and eliminates myths surrounding the grief process and thoroughly examines healthy and unhealthy ways of coping with loss. The course looks at grief from the shared experience of family and community.

Course Description

This course introduces the concept of death in society. Students examine research, theories, and case studies on the sociocultural dimensions of death and dying with a focus on end of life issues and grief management.

Course Description

This course explores how culture, spirituality, and society shape our understanding and experience of death and dying. While grief and loss are universal, how they are conceptualized and practiced around the world are largely determined by the confluence of these factors. Students become aware of how each of these overlapping areas have influenced their own views of death and dying as well as grasp a deeper understanding of others who are grieving.

Program Locations

GCU Online Student


Pursue a next-generation education with an online degree from Grand Canyon University. Earn your degree with convenience and flexibility with online courses that let you study anytime, anywhere.

* Please note that this list may contain programs and courses not presently offered, as availability may vary depending on class size, enrollment and other contributing factors. If you are interested in a program or course listed herein please first contact your University Counselor for the most current information regarding availability.

* Please refer to the Academic Catalog for more information. Programs or courses subject to change.

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